City of Greater Geelong Sport & Recreation portfolio holder, Cr John Mitchell, said the program enables northern suburbs children to learn much-valued lifesaving and water safety skills. “Shell has supported the program for 11 northern suburbs primary schools during the past 18 months and this has made a real difference to children who may not know how to swim,” said Cr Mitchell. “From a safety perspective, ensuring that children can swim is essential and we thank Shell for continuing its support of the program,” he said. Shell Geelong Refinery Manager, Huck Poh, said that safety is Shell’s number one priority. "Three million work-hours without a lost time injury is an outstanding achievement and shows we are working well as a team and going beyond improving our safety record by actually embedding a safety culture," said Huck. "We have once again demonstrated that it is possible to achieve world class safety standards and this is something that we must continue to maintain," he said. “Learning to swim is a vital skill that many people take for granted. We are proud to be associated with the program for another year and wish the children involved the best of luck as they prepare to be fit for safety!” The value of the Learn to Swim Scholarship Program was recognised earlier this year when it won the Victorian Aquatic Industry 2006 Resusci Anne Outstanding Aquatic Programming Award. In recognition of the milestone and the refinery’s support for the Learn-to-Swim program, Shell Geelong Refinery employees and contractors will receive a commemorative certificate and a swimming cap in appreciation for their individual contribution to the excellent safety performance. END
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